Beckham says Messi’s Argentina legacy will ‘live forever’ after retirement

David Beckham has paid tribute to Lionel Messi, saying the Argentina captain’s legacy will “live forever” after Messi announced his retirement from international football.

Messi confirmed on Monday that he had ended his remarkable career with Argentina, having won 207 caps and scored 125 goals for his country. The 39-year-old’s final appearance came in Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Beckham, the former England captain, has watched Messi’s career both as an opponent and, more recently, as co-owner of Inter Miami, where the forward continues to play in Major League Soccer.

Writing on Instagram on Tuesday, Beckham said: “This is the moment we get to look back on and realise how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream.”

He added: “Leo, you have been a credit to yourself, your family, your friends and your country. Leading by example and creating inspiration for millions of children not just in Argentina but around the whole world.

“Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina.”

Messi’s international career included victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final in Doha. He then helped his country reach a second successive World Cup final in July, although Spain proved too strong and secured a 1-0 victory.

The tournament had appeared to offer Messi another chance to lift the trophy after he produced eight goals and two assists. He also played a key role in Argentina’s dramatic late comeback against England in the semi-final, but the South Americans were unable to complete their campaign with another title.

Messi was pictured in tears after receiving his runners-up medal. Afterwards, he described the defeat as causing “immense” pain and said it would “take a long time for this wound to heal”.

In his retirement message, posted on social media on Monday, Messi said the decision had been deeply difficult but that he believed it was the correct one.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi wrote on Instagram.

“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added.

Messi’s decision also follows the death of his father, Jorge, in August. At that time, the Argentina forward said he had been uncertain about continuing to play football for much longer.

“I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer,” he said then.

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season. His performances for Argentina and Barcelona have led to him being widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.